A work visa of Dubai would allow you to stay in the city legally and work there. Many want to go to Dubai so that they can get a job abroad. But before you rush to get a work visa in Dubai for yourself, you need to know these 3 most important things mentioned in this blog first.
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Who can apply for a work permit in Dubai?
The foremost important thing to know when applying or even thinking about getting a Dubai work permit are the eligibility requirements. You need to know what documents you need and what requirements will make you eligible for this visa.
The basic requirements are:-
- The employer must be older than 18 years of age
- A company that’s hiring candidates must not have broken any laws or rules
- A company that’s hiring needs to have a valid license
- The work that you would be doing must be related to the company’s nature that’s hiring you
Moreover, the international workers coming to Dubai are categorized as:
- Category 1 – Minimum requirements -> Bachelor’s Degree
- Category 2 – Minimum requirements -> Post-Secondary diploma
- Category 3 – Minimum requirements -> High School Diploma
The categorization is based on their skills and their education level.
This is How You Get a Dubai Work Permit
Go right ahead and read the steps mentioned below to know how to get a Dubai work permit easily.
-> Who applies for a work permit? The employer, not the employee themselves. It’s the work of the employer who prints the application form for the work permit at the Tas’Heel website which is the Ministry of Labour’s online system.
-> Along with the application, the employer must submit all the required documents.
-> Then, the Ministry of Labour will be reviewing the application.
(In case any irregularities or documents are missing, the Ministry would then ask to resubmit them.)
-> Once the Ministry approves the work permit, the employer will be able to download it from the official website.
(it will not take the Ministry more than 5 business days to issue the approval.)
1. Sponsorship Requirement
To work legally in Dubai, you need to be sponsored by an employer based in the UAE. This means that a company must offer you a job and act as your visa sponsor. The employer handles the visa application process, including submitting necessary documents and covering the associated costs. Once approved, the visa allows you to work and live in Dubai legally. Your employer also handles the renewal process and is responsible for your visa status during your employment.
Medical and Background Checks
Before your work visa can be approved, you must undergo a mandatory medical examination and background check. The medical check typically includes blood tests and a chest X-ray to ensure you are free from communicable diseases like HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. This is required to obtain a residency permit, which is a prerequisite for your work visa. Additionally, any prior criminal record could impact your ability to obtain a work visa in Dubai.
Residence Visa and Emirates ID Requirements
Once you have a work visa, you are eligible for a residence visa, allowing you to stay in Dubai long-term and sponsor family members for residency. Alongside the residence visa, you must obtain an Emirates ID, which is necessary for daily activities like opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, or renting a home. Both the residence visa and Emirates ID are typically valid for one to three years and must be renewed by your sponsor/employer.
Understanding these essential requirements will make the Dubai work visa process smoother, helping you start your career in the UAE with confidence.
2. Types of Work Visas
Dubai offers different types of work visas, mainly based on the duration and nature of employment. Here are some common types:
- Standard Work Visa: Typically valid for 1-3 years and renewable, it allows you to work under a specific employer.
- Freelance Visa: Enables professionals to work independently, sponsored by one of Dubai’s free zones. Freelancers must apply through specific free zones like Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, or Dubai Design District.
- Investor/Partner Visa: If you plan to start or invest in a business in Dubai, you can apply for this visa, which allows you to work for your own company.
- Green Visa: This newer visa type allows skilled workers and freelancers to sponsor themselves without needing a traditional employer sponsor, promoting flexibility and longer-term stays.
Duration and Costs Involved
Work visa costs vary depending on factors like the type of work, your job designation, and the duration of the visa. For example:
- Standard Work Visa: Initial processing fees range from AED 4,000 to AED 6,000 (approximately USD 1,100 to USD 1,600), with additional medical and Emirates ID fees.
- Freelance Visa: Costs range from AED 7,000 to AED 20,000 (USD 1,900 to USD 5,500), depending on the free zone and visa duration.
- Investor/Partner Visa: Costs can go up to AED 15,000 (USD 4,100) or more, as it also includes business setup fees.
Employers generally cover the costs of a standard work visa, but freelancers and business owners are responsible for their visa expenses.
Free Zones and Mainland Differences
Dubai has two main employment areas:
- Free Zones: These special economic zones offer tax benefits and allow 100% foreign ownership, but a free zone visa restricts you from working directly with companies outside the zone. Popular free zones for tech and media include Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai Silicon Oasis.
- Mainland: Working in Dubai’s mainland allows more freedom to conduct business across the UAE. Mainland visas are sponsored by companies registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED), allowing employees to work anywhere in Dubai and even outside the UAE for business purposes.
Renewal and Transfer of Visa
Work visas in Dubai are generally valid for 1-3 years and must be renewed to continue working. Renewals are usually managed by your employer. However, if you wish to change jobs, the visa transfer process can be complex. Here’s what to know:
- Transfer Requirements: Changing employers requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer, depending on your job contract. Without it, you may face restrictions or fines.
- Renewal Costs: Employers often cover renewal fees, but it’s wise to clarify this in your employment contract.
Labour Law and Contract Terms
Dubai’s labor laws provide rights and protections to employees, but it’s essential to understand your contract:
- Probation Period: Typically, there’s a probation period of 6 months, where you can be terminated with short notice. After this period, notice periods for termination vary based on your contract.
- Annual Leave: Full-time employees are entitled to annual leave of at least 30 days per year.
- End of Service Benefits: If you leave after completing one year, you’re entitled to end-of-service gratuity, calculated based on your basic salary and years of service.
3. Dependents Sponsorship
Dubai’s work visas also allow you to sponsor your dependents, including spouse, children, and in some cases, parents:
- Requirements: To sponsor family members, you need to meet minimum salary requirements, typically AED 4,000 to AED 5,000 (USD 1,100 to USD 1,400) per month.
- Education for Children: Dependents can access Dubai’s education system, with a range of public and private schools available, including international curriculums (e.g., British, American).
Path to Residency and Long-Term Visas
Dubai has launched initiatives to support long-term residency for skilled professionals:
- Golden Visa: Professionals in fields like science, technology, and medicine, as well as investors, can apply for a 5- to 10-year Golden Visa, which allows residency without a traditional employer sponsor.
- Green Visa: Allows skilled workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to self-sponsor with a 5-year validity, enhancing job flexibility and family sponsorship options.
